Kent Driscoll
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Sep 12/05) - When Antonio Gomez-Palacio and Jim Gough were looking for public feedback on a new plan for Iqaluit's streets, they knew where to go.

The two consultants hired by the city to come up with ideas on transportation and city layout were standing at the entrance of Northmart on Sept. 6, asking people to check out their diagrams - and they heard an earful.

Anu Arlooktoo, standing in front of the four corners in Iqaluit, says snowmobile trails are a good idea. "They would keep the traffic off the roads." The city has hired two consultants to come up with options on future transportation routes and city layout. Ideas for Iqaluit's streets considered in the transportation and urban design study: A bypass road extending from the new justice building A round about at the four corners Pedestrian walkways Snowmobile trails Public art at the gateway to the ring road Art in front of Iqaluit's more prominent buildings, such as the new justice centre.

"We had 60 to 70 people ask about the plan, and there was a lot of support for the bypass," said Gomez-Palacio, with the Office for Urbanism in Toronto.

The bypass would run from the new court of justice building, leading away from the crowded four corners intersection in central Iqaluit.

Another option for the four corners is a round about, which would send drivers in circles, instead of the four-way stop.

Traffic signals were considered, but because there are no traffic signals in Iqaluit, maintaining and programming would be an additional burden to the city.

"What we hear, we'll incorporate into a draft report. We hope to get a bit more feedback," said Gough, with Marshall/Macklin/Monaghan.

After getting public comments, they appeared in front of the engineering and planning committee of the city council that same night.

There, they pitched their plan to six councillors (three weren't in attendance).

The committee decided to send the plan back and have it narrowed down to just two options.

The consultants will report back to council in four to five weeks.

The public speaks

When Nunavut News/North asked residents what they thought, the message was that something needs to be done about the four corners. And don't try to fence in the snowmobilers.

Suzanne Degrasse grew up at her father's home next to the four corners intersection. She has seen it grow through the years.

"Maybe the circle thing would work. So much traffic passes through there, it might make it faster," she said.

On the topic of the suggested snowmobile trails, she is against them. "We should be able to drive our snowmobiles wherever we want. Now, we can zoom by the roads and go where we want," said Degrasse.

Noah Innualuk agrees.

"The snowmobile trails are a bad idea. People should be able to go anywhere on their snowmobiles."

Patsy Drake thinks that snowmobile trails might just work.

"It would be way more convenient. It would make it easier for drivers."

On the four corners, Drake favours the bypass. "Something has to happen there. I think the bypass would work best."

Anu Arlooktoo likes the bypass plan, and isn't opposed to the snowmobile trails.

"It keeps the traffic off the roads and it would be safer for people," he said.

Solve the traffic jam

Christine Bens wants to solve the traffic jam at the four corners with person power. "Why not put a bylaw officer there to direct traffic for 15 or 20 minutes a day?"

As for the trails, she doesn't approve.

"I personally have a big issue with snowmobile trails. I don't think people would follow them anyway," she said.

Coming from the Kivalliq, Bens is a snowmobile supporter.

"I don't see it as a problem," she said.

Juanita Taylor simply likes the idea of people travelling around in circles, leading her to support a round about for the intersection.

"That would be fun, but they are going to need lights in the next few years. The city is growing," she said.

Amanda Kilabuk is opting for simplicity on both issues.

"I think the bypass is less complicated than a round about. Really, they should get lights. I don't think people would follow snowmobile trails either," she said.